RED
Matanzas Creek Merlot 2003
Sonoma County, Calif.
$30
Matanzas Creek Merlot has a hefty color and taste and a longer cellar life than the price tag might indicate.
WHITE
Clos du Bois Russian River Reserve Chardonnay 2004
Sonoma County, Calif.
$14
Russian River Clos du Bois Reserve Chardonnay has a handsomely restrained oakiness and a hint of vanilla. Great value for the money.
VODKA
Stoli Blueberi
Russia
$23
Distilled from Russian grain and clear natural water -- "married to the aromatic essence of freshly picked blueberries" to achieve the distinctive taste. It's the latest rage among young drinkers who take it neat or with cranberry, lemon-lime soda and a twist of lime calling it the Siberian Husky.